John 3:9-15 (NIVUK)
9 ‘How can this be?’ Nicodemus asked.
10 ‘You are Israel’s teacher,’ said Jesus, ‘and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven – the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.’
There’s a lot going on in these verses – more than we can explore in this bite-sized Bible note! For today, however, let’s simply note that being born again, or born from above, is a mystery that is beyond our comprehension, not even the teacher of Israel, Nicodemus, could understand it on his own. It is not something humanity can grasp or recreate on their own, it is an act dependent on the work of the Spirit, explaining why faith is so important, in trust, placing our lives in God. Let’s also note the foreshadowing here of Christ’s death, resurrection and ascension in verse 14. It is through his being ‘lifted up’ that this salvation is achieved – it truly is an act of the Trinity.
Father, Son and Spirit, we cannot fully grasp what you have done for us, but we see enough, and worship you.
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